U.S. patent application number 17/228292 was filed with the patent office on 2021-10-21 for therapeutic lighting devices and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to Pathy Medical, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Pathy Medical, LLC. Invention is credited to Gennady Kleyman, Vinod V. Pathy, Mikiya Silver.
Application Number | 20210322782 17/228292 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005534719 |
Filed Date | 2021-10-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210322782 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Silver; Mikiya ; et
al. |
October 21, 2021 |
THERAPEUTIC LIGHTING DEVICES AND METHODS
Abstract
A device for treating biological tissue including a body having
opposed proximal and distal end portions, a shroud extending from
the distal end portion of the body, and a light source supported at
a distal end of the body and connected to a power source for
emitting therapeutic light to treat biological tissue proximate to
the shroud, wherein the shroud is dimensioned and configured to
establish an effective distance and area of therapeutic light
treatment relative to the biological tissue to be treated.
Inventors: |
Silver; Mikiya; (New Haven,
CT) ; Kleyman; Gennady; (Brooklyn, NY) ;
Pathy; Vinod V.; (Shelton, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pathy Medical, LLC |
Shelton |
CT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Pathy Medical, LLC
Shelton
CT
|
Family ID: |
1000005534719 |
Appl. No.: |
17/228292 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
63010950 |
Apr 16, 2020 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 2005/0659 20130101;
A61N 2005/0644 20130101; A61N 2005/0664 20130101; A61N 5/06
20130101; A61N 2005/0662 20130101; A61N 2005/0661 20130101; A61N
2005/0651 20130101; A61N 5/067 20210801; A61N 2005/0626
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61N 5/06 20060101
A61N005/06 |
Claims
1. A device for treating biological tissue, comprising: a) a body
having opposed proximal and distal end portions; b) means
operatively associated with the distal end portion of the body for
establishing an effective distance and an area of therapeutic
treatment relative to biological tissue to be treated; and c) a
light source supported at a distal end of the body and connected to
a power source for emitting therapeutic light to treat biological
tissue within the effective area of therapeutic treatment.
2. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein the means operatively
associated with the distal end portion of the body for establishing
an effective distance and an area of therapeutic treatment relative
to biological tissue to be treated includes a shroud extending from
the distal end portion of the body.
3. A device as recited in claim 2, wherein the power source is
housed within an interior cavity of the body or it is housed
external to the body.
4. A device as recited in claim 2, wherein the therapeutic light is
selected from the group of light sources consisting of UV light,
UV-C light, Far UV-C light, infrared light, near infrared light,
low level laser light and White light.
5. A device as recited in claim 2, wherein a switch is operatively
associated with the body for activating the power source and/or the
light source.
6. A device as recited in claim 2, wherein the light source
includes at least one light sources associated with a printed
circuit board that is supported within the distal end of the
body.
7. A device as recited in claim 2, wherein the at least one light
source is an LED light source.
8. A device as recited in claim 6, wherein a control circuit is
operatively associated with the printed circuit board so that the
power source and/or light source can be deactivated after a
predetermined treatment period or provide an indication to a user
that the treatment period has been completed.
9. A device as recited in claim 2, wherein the shroud is formed
from a material that is impervious to therapeutic light so as to
avoid an impact of therapeutic light on areas of biological tissue
that are not intended to be treated.
10. A device as recited in claim 2, wherein the power source is
remote from the body and it is connected to the light source by an
electrical wire.
11. A device as recited in claim 2, wherein electro-mechanical
means are operatively associated with the body and the shroud to
activate the power source and/or the light source when the shroud
comes into contact with the biological tissue to be treated, or
provide an indication to a user that the device is ready for
use.
12. A device as recited in claim 2, wherein indicator means are
associated with the printed circuit board for sonically or visually
indicating when the power source has been deactivated or provide an
indication to a user that the treatment has been completed.
13. A device as recited in claim 2, wherein the light source
comprises at least one laser diode supported within the body.
14. A device as recited in claim 2, wherein a lens is supported
within the distal end of the body in front of the light source.
15. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein the means operatively
associated with the distal end portion of the body for establishing
an effective distance and an area of therapeutic treatment relative
to biological tissue to be treated includes an elongated probe
extending from the distal end portion of the body.
16. A device as recited in claim 15, wherein a lens is supported
within the distal end of the body in front of the light source.
17. A device as recited in claim 16, wherein the means are
operatively associated with the probe to activate the power source
and/or the light source when the probe comes into contact with the
biological tissue to be treated or provide an indication to a user
that the device is ready for use.
18. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein the means operatively
associated with the distal end portion of the body for establishing
an effective distance and an area of therapeutic treatment relative
to biological tissue to be treated includes a shroud extending from
the distal end portion of the body and an elongated probe extending
distally from the lens to establish a preferred distance to a
treatment area.
19. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein the means operatively
associated with the distal end portion of the body for establishing
an effective distance and an area of therapeutic treatment relative
to biological tissue to be treated includes a laser ruler housed
within the body to establish a preferred distance to a treatment
area, in the absence of a shroud extending from the distal end
portion of the body.
20. A device as recited in claim 19, wherein the means are
operatively associated with the laser ruler to activate the power
source and/or the light source when the laser ruler has established
the preferred distance to a treatment area or provide an indication
to a user that the device is ready for use.
21. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein the means operatively
associated with the distal end portion of the body for establishing
an effective distance and an area of therapeutic treatment relative
to biological tissue to be treated includes a laser ruler housed
within the body and a shroud extending from the distal end portion
of the body to establish a preferred distance to a treatment
area.
22. A device as recited in claim 21, wherein the means are
operatively associated with the laser ruler to activate the power
source and/or the light source when the laser ruler has established
the preferred distance to a treatment area or provide an indication
to a user that the device is ready for use.
23. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein clamping means are
operatively associated with the body for selectively attaching the
device to a surgical table, a surgical instrument or a surgical
drape.
24. A device as recited in claim 23, wherein means are operatively
associated with the clamping means and the body of the device to
adjust the position of the device relative to the treatment
area.
25. A device as recited in claim 2, wherein the shroud is mounted
for movement relative to the body to establish a minimum effective
distance and area of therapeutic treatment.
26. A device as recited in claim 25, wherein switching means are
operatively associated with the body and the shroud to activate the
power source and/or the light source upon movement of the shroud to
the minimum effective distance.
27. A device for treating biological tissue during laparoscopic
surgery, comprising: a) a proximal handle portion; b) a tubular
body extending distally from the proximal handle portion; c) a
shroud extending from the distal end of the tubular body; and d) a
light source supported at a distal end of the tubular body proximal
to the shroud and connected to a power source housed within the
handle portion or external to the handle portion for emitting
therapeutic light to treat biological tissue proximate to the
shroud.
28. A device as recited in claim 27, wherein a switch is
operatively associated with the body for manually activating the
power source and/or the light source.
29. A device as recited in claim 28, wherein the light source
includes at least one UV LED light sources associated with a
printed circuit board that is supported within the distal end of
the cannula.
30. A device as recited in claim 29, wherein the shroud is
dimensioned and configured to establish an effective distance and
area of therapeutic light treatment relative to the biological
tissue to be treated.
31. A handheld electrosurgical instrument comprising: a) an
elongated body; b) an electrocautery blade extending from a distal
end of the body; and c) a light source operatively associated with
the body and oriented to focus therapeutic light to an area around
a tip of the electrocautery blade.
32. A handheld electrosurgical instrument as recited in claim 31,
further including a first switch and a second switch on the body
for manually activating the electrocautery blade, and a third
switch on the body for manually activating the therapeutic light
source.
33. A handheld electrosurgical instrument as recited in claim 32,
further including a first power cord extending from a proximal end
of the body for connecting the electrocautery blade to a first
power source and a second power cord extending from a proximal end
of the body for connecting the therapeutic light source to a second
power source.
34. A surgical retractor comprising: an upper body portion
operatively associated with a power source and a lower body portion
extending orthogonal to the upper body portion and housing an
therapeutic light source embedded on a printed circuit board and
connected to the power source.
35. A surgical retractor as recited as recited in claim 34, wherein
the power source is housed within the upper body portion.
36. A surgical retractor as recited in claim 35, wherein a lens is
positioned in front of the therapeutic light source and a flange
projects forward from the distal end of the lower body portion.
37. A surgical retractor as recited in claim 36, wherein switching
means is associated with the upper body portion for manually
activating the therapeutic light source and/or the power
source.
38. A surgical retractor as recited in claim 37, wherein the LED
light source includes a therapeutic LED and a non-therapeutic LED,
and the switching means includes a first switch associated with the
therapeutic LED and a second switch associated with the
non-therapeutic LED.
39. A method of treating biological tissue with therapeutic light,
comprising: a) positioning an emitter at a treatment area; b)
establishing an effective distance for the emitter from the
treatment area; c) activating the emitter to provide therapeutic
light at the treatment area; and d) removing the emitter from the
treatment area.
40. A method according to claim 39, further comprising controlling
a duration of therapeutic light treatment.
41. A method according to claim 40, further comprising allowing the
emitter to enable the therapeutic light treatment.
42. A method according to claim 41, further comprising signaling to
a user that the emitter is ready to provide the therapeutic light
treatment.
43. A method according to claim 42, further comprising signaling to
a user that the therapeutic light treatment has concluded.
44. A method according to claim 43, further comprising allowing the
emitter to stop the therapeutic light treatment.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/010,950, filed on Apr.
16, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The subject invention is directed to surgical
instrumentation, and more particularly, to therapeutic lighting
devices and methods of using the same to reduce surgical site
infections.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) have been reported to have
rates as high as 10%. Multiple sources estimate rates to be between
0.5-10%, though it is difficult to measure post-operative data
especially with minor infections. Studies have shown SSIs affect
275,000 patients annually in the US and cost approximately $10B
annually to hospitals, healthcare providers, and insurance
companies.
[0004] Handheld electrosurgical devices are recognized in the art
of surgery for providing directed cauterization of bleeding vessels
as well as cutting technology to incise through tissues.
Unfortunately, any break in the skin, whether surgical or
otherwise, can result in an infection. Current methods of infection
prevention intraoperatively include skin antisepsis, hand washing
by the surgical team, prophylactic antibiotic therapy, and laminar
air flow.
[0005] Clearly, the general usage of sterile techniques and
prophylactic antibiotic therapy has drastically decreased the SSI
rates from those as high as 40% previously. Yet, with the physical
and financial devastation that surgical infections may cause, and
with increased antibiotic resistance by organisms such as MRSA
(methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and VRE
(vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus), other treatment modalities are
necessary. Inclusive of these additional modalities is the use of
short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV-C) light for germicidal
irradiation (UVGI) which damages the DNA in microorganisms.
Further, UV-C therapy has been noted to promote wound healing as
well.
[0006] UV-C light, however, has started to prove more useful in the
prophylaxis of SSI, with one study revealing a decrease in
infection rate from 10% to 0.24% with ultraviolet light therapy.
Commercial UV-sterilizing devices most commonly known for consumer
disinfection of mobile phones. Current UV-C light medical
treatments include lamps, room disinfection, and bulky commercial
handheld UV light emitters. Devices like the Biomation Thera-Wand
are used for wound care but are not sterilized and brought into the
surgical arena. Regarding handheld devices, these have currently
not gained widespread use despite the clear benefit of UV-C light
therapy to wound infection rates.
[0007] One of the most significant hindrances to utilization thus
far has been the requirement for a pause in surgery specifically to
place the bulky UV-C device in proximity to the tissues at risk.
Bulky, expensive, hard-to-use devices can be replaced with the
novel devices proposed in this application. Another hindrance is
the need to manufacture a sterile device that can be used within
the sterile operating field during interventions like surgery. A
further danger is the potentially harmful effects of too much
treatment or potentially damaging wavelengths of light.
[0008] As these hindrances have failed to provide acceptable
results, there is a need for alternative approaches to treating
surgical areas on a patient. Novel directing of the light shown in
this disclosure (via shrouds, optical lens design, etc.), novel
methods that utilize timing mechanisms, novel methods that
determine the distance of the light emitter from the treatment area
and the advancement of technologies such as lasers enable the
prevention of potential harmful radiation from injuring a patient,
and can be used in open surgery, laparoscopy and minimally-invasive
surgery, percutaneous procedures such as biopsies or injections,
wound-care, and other interventional treatments, can accomplish
this objective.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The therapeutic lighting devices of the subject invention
are intended to treat or as prophylaxis against infectious
organisms. UV-C radiation has been shown to be more lethal against
susceptible organisms with increasing exposure time, though
increasing distance from the site decreases the effectiveness. This
is also true of other therapeutic light sources.
[0010] The devices are intended as a sterile disposable or
non-disposable adjunct to current anti-infectious modalities. The
devices may be utilized not only in an operative setting, but also
at the bedside to treat wounds. The devices can be used continually
throughout a surgery (arena-style UV lighting, e.g.) or
periodically throughout the surgery (i.e. sweeping before first
incision, sweeping before wound closure), or at specified tasks
required in the surgery (before insertion/placement of an implant,
e.g.).
[0011] In addition, an added utility of the devices may be
concomitant visible lighting to improve illumination alongside UV-C
light within the same device. This could be achieved either by
intersplicing visible light LEDs with light treatment (UV, e.g.)
LEDs, or having separate lighting areas on the same device. A
device may have a switch to activate the therapeutic light
separately or may continually bathe the surgical site with
therapeutic light treatment.
[0012] Embodiments of therapeutic light devices with attachments
may be attached to electrosurgical instruments such as
electrocautery pencils, forceps, other surgical, instruments,
surgical drapes, patient tissue, surgical table, other medical
equipment, etc. By having the therapeutic light work continually,
the surgeon is able to be active without requiring stoppages. By
using more targeted and intermittent therapies, the surgeon is able
to more precisely target tissue and wound sites and prevent
overexposure to non-injured or injured tissue.
[0013] More particularly, the subject invention is directed to a
new and useful device for treating biological tissue. The device
includes a body having opposed proximal and distal end portions, a
means operatively associated with the distal end portion of the
body for establishing an effective distance and an area of
therapeutic treatment relative to biological tissue to be treated,
and a light source supported at a distal end of the body and
connected to a power source for emitting therapeutic light to treat
biological tissue proximate to the shroud. The means operatively
associated with the distal end portion of the body for establishing
an effective distance and an area of therapeutic treatment relative
to biological tissue to be treated can be a shroud extending from
the distal end portion of the body. The power source can be housed
within an interior cavity of the body or it can be housed external
to or remote from the body. The therapeutic light can be selected
from the group of light sources that consists of UV light, UV-C
light, Far UV-C light, infrared light, near-infrared light, low
level laser light, and White light.
[0014] The light source includes at least one light sources
associated with or separate from a printed circuit board (PCB) that
is supported within the distal end of the body, and it is
preferably an LED light source. The light source could also
comprise at least one laser diode, which may be embedded on the PCB
or separate from the PCB. A control circuit is operatively
associated with the printed circuit board so that the power source
and/or light source can be deactivated after a predetermined
treatment period or provide an indication to a user that the
treatment period has been completed.
[0015] The shroud is dimensioned and configured to establish an
effective distance and area of therapeutic treatment relative to
the biological tissue to be treated. The shroud can be formed from
a material that is impervious to therapeutic light so as to avoid
an impact of therapeutic light on areas of biological tissue that
are not intended to be treated. Preferably, an optical element can
be designed to focus the therapeutic light to the treatment
area.
[0016] Preferably, a switch is operatively associated with the body
for activating the power source and/or the light source.
Electro-mechanical means may be operatively associated with the
body and the shroud to activate the power source and/or the light
source when the shroud comes into contact with the biological
tissue to be treated, or it can provide an indication to a user
that the device is ready for use. Indicator means can also be
associated with the printed circuit board for sonically or visually
indicating when the power source has been deactivated or provide an
indication to a user that the treatment has been completed.
[0017] A lens is supported within the distal end of the body in
front of the light source. The optical design of the lens can be
used to focus the therapeutic light to the target treatment area to
maximize safety and efficacy. The means operatively associated with
the distal end portion of the body for establishing an effective
distance and an area of therapeutic treatment relative to
biological tissue to be treated can be an elongated probe extending
from the distal end portion of the body an elongated probe extends
distally from the lens to establish a preferred distance to a
treatment area. The means operatively associated with the distal
end portion of the body for establishing an effective distance and
an area of therapeutic treatment relative to biological tissue to
be treated can also be a shroud extending from the distal end
portion of the body and an elongated probe extending distally from
the lens to establish a preferred distance to a treatment area. A
lens is supported within the distal end of the body in front of the
light source. Means would be operatively associated with the probe
to activate the power source and/or the light source when the probe
comes into contact with the biological tissue to be treated or it
the means could provide an indication to a user that the device is
ready for use.
[0018] The means operatively associated with the distal end portion
of the body for establishing an effective distance and an area of
therapeutic treatment relative to biological tissue to be treated
can be a laser ruler is housed within the body to establish a
preferred distance to a treatment area, in the absence of a shroud
extending from the distal end portion of the body. Means may be
operatively associated with the laser ruler to activate the power
source and/or the light source when the laser ruler has established
the preferred distance to a treatment area or the means could
provide an indication to a user that the device is ready for
use.
[0019] The means operatively associated with the distal end portion
of the body for establishing an effective distance and an area of
therapeutic treatment relative to biological tissue to be treated
can be a laser ruler housed within the body and a shroud extending
from the distal end portion of the body to establish a preferred
distance to a treatment area. Means may be operatively associated
with the laser ruler to activate the power source and/or the light
source when the laser ruler has established the preferred distance
to a treatment area or the means could provide an indication to a
user that the device is ready for use.
[0020] Clamping means can be operatively associated with the body
for selectively attaching the device to a surgical table, a
surgical instrument or a surgical drape. In addition, means may be
operatively associated with the clamping means and the body of the
device to adjust the position of the device relative to the
treatment area.
[0021] In an embodiment of the invention, the shroud is mounted for
movement relative to the body to establish a minimum effective
distance and area of therapeutic treatment. And, switching means
are operatively associated with the body and the shroud to activate
the power source and/or the light source upon movement of the
shroud to the minimum effective distance.
[0022] The subject invention is also directed to a device for
treating biological tissue during laparoscopic surgery, which
includes a proximal handle portion, a tubular body extending
distally from the proximal handle portion, a shroud extending from
the distal end of the tubular body, and a light source supported at
a distal end of the tubular body proximal to the shroud and
connected to a power source housed within the handle portion or
external to the handle portion for emitting therapeutic light to
treat biological tissue proximate to the shroud. A switch is
operatively associated with the body for manually activating the
power source and/or the light source, and the light source includes
at least one therapeutic light source, such as an LED light source
embedded on or associated with a printed circuit board that is
supported within the distal end of the cannula. Preferably, the
shroud is dimensioned and configured to establish an effective
distance and area of therapeutic light treatment relative to the
biological tissue to be treated. However, it is envisioned that the
effective treatment distance can be established by way of a laser,
a probe or a sensor, that could be embedded in the probe or in the
shroud.
[0023] The subject invention is also directed to a handheld
electrosurgical instrument that includes an elongated body, an
electrocautery blade extending from a distal end of the body, and a
light source operatively associated with the body and oriented to
focus therapeutic light to an area around a tip of the
electrocautery blade. The electrosurgical instrument further
includes a first switch on the body for manually activating the
electrocautery blade and a second switch on the body for manually
activating the therapeutic light source. In addition, the
instrument includes a first power cord extending from a proximal
end of the body for connecting the electrocautery blade to a first
power source and a second power cord extending from a proximal end
of the body for connecting the therapeutic light source to a second
power source.
[0024] The subject invention is also directed to a surgical
retractor that includes an upper body portion operatively
associated with a power source and a lower body portion extending
orthogonal to the upper body portion and housing a therapeutic
light source associated with a printed circuit board and connected
to the power source. Preferably, the power source is housed within
the upper body portion of the retractor, a lens is positioned in
front of the therapeutic light source and a flange projects forward
from the distal end of the lower body portion of the retractor.
Switching means may be associated with the upper body portion for
manually activating the therapeutic light source and/or the power
source. It is envisioned that the LED light source can includes a
therapeutic LED and a non-therapeutic LED, and the switching means
could include a first switch associated with the therapeutic LED
and a second switch associated with the non-therapeutic LED.
[0025] The subject invention is also directed to a method of
treating biological tissue with therapeutic light, which includes
the steps of positioning an emitter at a treatment area,
establishing an effective distance for the emitter from the
treatment area, activating the emitter to provide therapeutic light
at the treatment area, and then removing the emitter from the
treatment area. The method can further include the steps of
controlling a duration of therapeutic light treatment, allowing the
emitter to enable the therapeutic light treatment, signaling to a
user that the emitter is ready to provide the therapeutic light
treatment, signaling to a user that the therapeutic light treatment
has concluded, and allowing the emitter to stop the therapeutic
light treatment.
[0026] It is well within the scope of this disclosure that the
therapeutic lighting devices described herein may be used in
conjunction with other materials, drugs, devices for diagnostic
imaging, or curing materials such as glues or cements, and they may
provide further or additional therapeutic benefits beyond the
treatment of surgical site infection such as relieving pain,
promoting tissue repair, and reducing inflammation.
[0027] These and other features of the devices and instrument of
the subject invention will become more readily apparent to those
having ordinary skill in the art to which the subject invention
appertains from the following brief description of the drawings and
the drawings themselves.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] So that those skilled in the art will readily understand how
to make and use the devices and instruments of the subject
invention without undue experimentation, preferred embodiments
thereof will be described in detail herein below with reference to
the figures wherein:
[0029] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a therapeutic light
treatment apparatus by first concept, before placement to the
treatment area;
[0030] FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of therapeutic light
treatment apparatus by first concept, placed to the treatment
area;
[0031] FIG. 3 shows a front view of therapeutic light treatment
apparatus by first concept, placed to the treatment area;
[0032] FIG. 4 shows section A-A taken from FIG. 3;
[0033] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of therapeutic light treatment
apparatus 10;
[0034] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of apparatus 10;
[0035] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of shroud 6;
[0036] FIG. 8 shows an isometric view of therapeutic light
treatment apparatus by second concept, before placement to the
treatment area;
[0037] FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of therapeutic light
treatment apparatus by second concept, placed to the treatment
area;
[0038] FIG. 10 shows a front view of therapeutic light treatment
apparatus by second concept, placed to the treatment area;
[0039] FIG. 11 shows section B-B taken from FIG. 10;
[0040] FIG. 12 shows section C-C taken from FIG. 11;
[0041] FIG. 12a shows enlarged view A1 taken from FIG. 11;
[0042] FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of apparatus 20;
[0043] FIG. 14 shows an isometric view of apparatus 20;
[0044] FIG. 15 shows an isometric view of shroud 36;
[0045] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of therapeutic light treatment
by concept #3;
[0046] FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 are front and side views of therapeutic
light treatment by concept 3;
[0047] FIG. 19 is a cross section A-A taken from FIG. 18;
[0048] FIG. 20 shows an isometric view of therapeutic light
treatment apparatus by concept 4, before placement to the treatment
area;
[0049] FIG. 21 shows an isometric view of therapeutic light
treatment apparatus by concept 4, placed to the treatment area;
[0050] FIG. 22 is a front view of therapeutic light treatment
apparatus by concept 4;
[0051] FIG. 23 is a section D-D taken from FIG. 22;
[0052] FIG. 24 is an exploded view of therapeutic light treatment
by concept 4;
[0053] FIG. 25 is an isometric view of therapeutic light treatment
by concept 4;
[0054] FIG. 26 is an isometric view of lens 66 with probe 68;
[0055] FIG. 27 shows an isometric view of therapeutic light
treatment apparatus by concept 5, before placement to the treatment
area;
[0056] FIG. 28 shows a front view of therapeutic light treatment
apparatus by concept 5, located to the treatment area;
[0057] FIG. 29 is sectional view E-E taken from FIG. 28;
[0058] FIG. 30 and FIG. 31 are isometric views of therapeutic light
treatment apparatus by concept 5;
[0059] FIG. 32 is an exploded view of therapeutic light treatment
apparatus by concept 5;
[0060] FIG. 33 is an isometric view of shroud 74;
[0061] FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 are isometric views of therapeutic light
treatment apparatus 60 attached to the surgical table 70 by concept
6;
[0062] FIG. 36 is an enlarged view G taken from FIG. 34;
[0063] FIG. 37 is an enlarged view G taken from FIG. 35;
[0064] FIG. 38 is an isometric view of therapeutic light treatment
apparatus 60;
[0065] FIG. 39 is an exploded view of therapeutic light treatment
apparatus 60;
[0066] FIG. 40 is a side view of therapeutic light treatment
apparatus 60;
[0067] FIG. 41 is cross-section J-J taken from FIG. 40;
[0068] FIG. 42 and FIG. 43 are front and rear view of therapeutic
light treatment apparatus 60;
[0069] FIG. 44 and FIG. 45 are isometric of views therapeutic light
treatment apparatus 75 by concept 7 and this apparatus can be
clamped (attached) to the surgical instruments, surgical drape
etc;
[0070] FIG. 46 is an exploded view of therapeutic light treatment
apparatus 75;
[0071] FIG. 47, FIG. 48 and FIG. 49 are front, bottom and side
views of therapeutic light treatment apparatus 75;
[0072] FIG. 50 is a section K-K taken from FIG. 49;
[0073] FIG. 51 shows an isometric view of therapeutic light
treatment apparatus 80 by concept 8, before placement to the
treatment area;
[0074] FIG. 52 is an enlarged view M taken from FIG. 51;
[0075] FIG. 53 shows an isometric view of therapeutic light
treatment apparatus 80 by concept 8, placed to the treatment
area;
[0076] FIG. 54 is an enlarged view N taken from FIG. 53;
[0077] FIG. 55 is an exploded view of therapeutic light treatment
apparatus 80;
[0078] FIG. 56, FIG. 57 and FIG. 58 are front, side and top view of
therapeutic light treatment apparatus 80;
[0079] FIG. 59 is a cross-section along line P-P taken from FIG.
57;
[0080] FIG. 60 is an isometric view of shroud 216;
[0081] FIG. 61, FIG. 62, FIG. 63 and FIG. 64 are top, side, front
and bottom view of PC Board assembly;
[0082] FIGS. 65-75 illustrate a treatment apparatus 90 for
therapeutic light treatment of tissue in laparoscopic procedure,
used with a laparoscopic port 110. This is illustration of concept
9;
[0083] FIG. 76 is an isometric view of an electrosurgical
instrument 120 with integrated therapeutic light source for tissue
treatment by concept 10;
[0084] FIG. 77, FIG. 78 and FIG. 79 are top, front and bottom views
of the electrosurgical instrument 120;
[0085] FIG. 80 and FIG. 81 show isometric views of surgical
retractor by concept 11;
[0086] FIG. 82 is a front view of retractor by concept 11 when
upper retractor body remove for batter understanding;
[0087] FIG. 83 is a side view of the retractor;
[0088] FIG. 84 is a top view of the retractor when the upper
retractor body is removed;
[0089] FIG. 85 is a bottom view of the retractor;
[0090] FIG. 86 is an exploded view of the retractor;
[0091] FIG. 87 is a front view of retractor PCB with embedded
LED;
[0092] FIG. 88 is a side view of retractor PCB with embedded
LED;
[0093] FIG. 89 is an isometric view of lower retractor body;
[0094] FIG. 90 and FIG. 91 show isometric views of retractor by
concept 12;
[0095] FIG. 92 is a front view of retractor by concept 12 when
upper retractor body is removed;
[0096] FIG. 93 is a side view of the retractor;
[0097] FIG. 94 is a top view of the retractor when upper retractor
body is removed;
[0098] FIG. 95 is a bottom view of the retractor;
[0099] FIG. 96 is an exploded view of the retractor;
[0100] FIG. 97 is a front view of retractor PCB with UV LED and
regular LED;
[0101] FIG. 98 is a side view of retractor PCB with UV LED and
regular LED;
[0102] FIG. 99 is an isometric view of lower retractor body;
and
[0103] FIGS. 100 through 103 are flow charts describing the steps
in the method of therapy using a therapeutic lighting device
constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the subject
invention.
ENABLING DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0104] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference
numerals identify similar structural elements and features of the
subject invention, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a handheld
therapeutic light emitting apparatus constructed in accordance with
a preferred embodiment of the subject invention and designated
generally by reference number 10.
[0105] Therapeutic light emitting apparatus 10 is adapted and
configured for performing biological tissue therapy on light
treatment area 4 of biological tissue 2 of a patient, as shown in
FIGS. 1-7. Apparatus 10 includes opposed proximal 12 and distal 12'
portions, shroud 6 extending from distal portions of the body 12
and 12', and a light source 18 supported at distal end portions of
the body 12 and 12' and connected to a power source 24 for emitting
therapeutic light to treat biological tissue 2 proximate to shroud
6. Power source 24 is housed within an interior cavity of the
apparatus 10, and it is also contemplated that power source 24 can
be housed external to or remote from the apparatus 10. The
therapeutic light for performing biological tissue therapy on light
treatment area 4 of biological tissue 2 of a patient can be
selected from a group of light sources that consists of UV light,
UV-C light, Far UV-C light, infrared light, near-infrared light,
low level laser light, and White light.
[0106] The light source 18 includes at least one light source
associated with a printed circuit board (PCB) 22 that is supported
within distal portion 12' of the body, and it is preferably an LED
light source. Light source 18 could also comprise at least one
laser diode. Light sources may be embedded on PCB 22 or separate
from PCB 22. A control circuit is operatively associated with PCB
22 so that power source 24 and/or light source 18 can be
deactivated after a predetermined treatment period or provide an
indication to a user that the treatment period has been
completed.
[0107] Shroud 6 is dimensioned and configured to establish an
effective distance and area of therapeutic treatment relative to
the biological tissue 2 to be treated. Holding pins 14 are inserted
into shroud pin opening 28 and body pin opening 32 to attach shroud
6 to body portions 12 and 12', as shown in FIGS. 5-7. It is
contemplated that shroud 6 can be formed from a material that is
impervious to therapeutic light (such as irradiated acrylic) so as
to avoid an impact of therapeutic light on areas of biological
tissue 2 that are not intended to be treated. Preferably, an
optical element can be designed to focus the therapeutic light to
the treatment area 4.
[0108] Preferably, a switch 8 is operatively associated with the
body for activating the power source 24 and/or the light source 18,
as shown in FIG. 3. Switch 8 is housed in switch holding structure
26 between body portions 12 and 12', as shown in FIG. 5.
Electronics are operatively associated with the shroud 6 to
activate the power source 24 and/or the light source 18 when the
shroud 6 comes into contact with the biological tissue 2 to be
treated, to allow the power source 24 and/or the light source 18 to
be activated, or it can provide an indication to a user that the
apparatus 10 is ready for use. An indicator can also be associated
with the PCB 22 for sonically or visually indicating when the power
source 24 has been deactivated or provide an indication to a user
that the treatment has been completed. A lens 16 is supported
within distal end 12' of the body in front of the light source 18,
as shown in FIG. 4. The optical design of the lens 16 is used to
focus the therapeutic light to the target treatment area 4 so as to
maximize safety and efficacy. Referring again to FIG. 4, the shroud
6 may be mounted for movement relative to the apparatus 10 to
establish a minimum effective distance and area of therapeutic
treatment. And, switch 8 may be operatively associated with body
portions 12 and 12' and shroud 6 to activate the power source 24
and/or the light source 18, upon movement of shroud 6 to the
minimum effective distance.
[0109] Referring now to FIGS. 8-15, there is illustrated another
handheld therapeutic light emitting apparatus constructed in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention and
designated generally by reference numeral 20. Therapeutic light
emitting apparatus 20 is adapted and configured for performing
biological tissue therapy on light treatment area 4 of biological
tissue 2 of a patient, as shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 10,
apparatus 20 includes body portion 38, shroud 36 extending from
body portion 38, and electrical wire 34 connected to an external
electrical source.
[0110] Referring now to FIG. 11, a light source 48 is supported
across body portion 38 and associated with electrical wire 34 for
emitting therapeutic light to treat biological tissue 2 proximate
to shroud 36. Light source 48 is housed within an interior cavity
of the apparatus 20, and includes at least one light source
associated with a printed circuit board (PCB) 44 that is supported
within body portion 38, and it is preferably an LED light source.
Light source 48 could also comprise at least one laser diode, which
may be embedded on PCB 44 or separate from PCB 44. The therapeutic
light for performing biological tissue therapy on light treatment
area 4 of biological tissue 2 of a patient can be selected from a
group of light sources that consists of UV light, UV-C light, Far
UV-C light, infrared light, near-infrared light, low level laser
light, and White light. As detailed in FIG. 12A, connector 45
operatively associates shroud 36 with PCB 44 so that the apparatus
can detect the presence of biological tissue to activate or enable
activation of the electrical wire 34 and/or light source 48 to
supply therapeutic light to treat biological tissue 2.
[0111] Shroud 36 is dimensioned and configured to establish an
effective distance and area of therapeutic treatment relative to
the biological tissue 2 to be treated. Pins 46 are inserted to
attach shroud 36 to body 38, as shown in FIGS. 13-15, and shroud 36
and body portion 38 are further fastened together by screws 56 and
nuts 58. Referring to FIG. 13, at distal and proximal ends of body
portion 38, spacer 54 is placed on PCB 44, and spacer 62 is placed
on a lens 52. It is contemplated that shroud 36 can be formed from
a material that is impervious to therapeutic light (such as amber
colored plastic) so as to avoid an impact of therapeutic light on
areas of biological tissue 2 that are not intended to be treated.
Preferably, an optical element can be designed to focus the
therapeutic light to the treatment area 4.
[0112] Preferably, a push button switch 42 is operatively
associated with the body for activating the electrical wire 34
and/or light source 48, as shown in FIGS. 10-11, and is housed in
body portion 38. Electronics are operatively associated with body
portion 38 and shroud 36 to activate the electrical wire 34 and/or
light source 48 when the shroud 36 comes into contact with the
biological tissue 2 to be treated, or it can provide an indication
to a user that the apparatus 20 is ready for use. An indicator can
also be associated with the PCB 44 for sonically or visually
indicating when the light source 48 has been deactivated or provide
an indication to a user that the treatment has been completed. As
detailed in FIGS. 11-12A, PCB 44 is operatively associated with
shroud 36 via electrical connector 45, so that when shroud 36 makes
contact with treatment area 4, an electrical signal is transmitted
via PCB 44 to micro speaker 43, resulting in the production of a
sound to indicate UV light can be initiated.
[0113] Lens 52 is supported within body portion 38 in front of the
light source 48, as shown in FIG. 11. The optical design of the
lens 52 is used to focus the therapeutic light so as to the target
treatment area 4 to maximize safety and efficacy. In FIG. 11, the
shroud 36 is mounted for movement relative to the body 38 to
establish a minimum effective distance and area of therapeutic
treatment. And, push button switch 42 is operatively associated
with body portion 38 and shroud 36 to activate the electrical wire
34 and/or light source 48 upon movement of shroud 36 to the minimum
effective distance.
[0114] Referring now to FIGS. 16-19, there is illustrated another
handheld therapeutic light emitting apparatus constructed in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention and
designated generally by reference numeral 25. As explained in more
detail below, apparatus 25 is similar in many respect to the
apparatus 20 described above, in that it includes body portion 38,
shroud 36 extending from body 38, and electrical wire 34 connected
to an external electrical source, as shown in FIGS. 16-19. And, as
in the previous embodiment of the subject invention, therapeutic
light emitting apparatus 25 is adapted and configured for
performing biological tissue therapy on light treatment area 4 of
biological tissue 2 of a patient, as shown in FIG. 18.
[0115] The apparatus 25 differs from the previously described
embodiment of the subject invention in that light source 48, which
utilizes one or more UV LED light sources, is replaced by one or
more ultraviolet laser diodes 63, as shown in FIGS. 16-19. It is
contemplated that a laser can more precisely control light emission
wavelength (vs. LEDs and other light emitting devices), which can
prove safer and more effective by focusing all light in the
therapeutic band of wavelengths.
[0116] Referring now to FIGS. 20-26, there is illustrated another
handheld therapeutic light emitting apparatus constructed in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention and
designated generally by reference numeral 30. As explained in more
detail below, apparatus 30 is similar in many respect to the
apparatus 10 described above, in that it includes opposed body
portions 12 and 12' and a light source 18 supported at distal end
of the body and connected to a power source 24 for emitting
therapeutic light to treat biological tissue 2, as shown in FIGS.
22-23. And, as in the previous embodiment of the subject invention,
therapeutic light emitting apparatus 30 is adapted and configured
for performing biological tissue therapy on light treatment area 4
of biological tissue 2 of a patient, as shown in FIG. 22.
[0117] Referring to FIG. 24, the apparatus 30 differs from the
previously described embodiment of the subject invention in that an
elongated probe 68 can extend distally from the lens 66 to
establish a preferred distance to treatment area 4. In some
embodiments, shroud 64 can extend from distal end 12' portion of
the body, also shown in FIGS. 20-26. It is contemplated that probe
68 can be capacitive, meaning, probe 68 can electronically detect
contact with treatment area 4 and subsequently establish an
effective treatment distance. It is also contemplated that an
indicator could provide a signal to a user that the apparatus 30 is
ready for use. Referring to FIG. 23, when probe 68 comes into
contact with biological tissue 2, switch 8 can be activated (either
by user or automatically) for a pre-determined or programmed
therapy time for UV treatment, after which the UV LED will be
turned off. An indicator can also be associated with the PCB 22 for
sonically or visually indicating when the power source 24 has been
deactivated or provide an indication to a user that the treatment
has been completed.
[0118] Referring now to FIGS. 27-33, there is illustrated another
handheld therapeutic light emitting apparatus constructed in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention and
designated generally by reference numeral 40. As explained in more
detail below, apparatus 40 is similar in many respect to the
apparatus 20 described above. Apparatus 40 can include body portion
76, shroud 74 extending from body 76, and electrical wire 72
connected to an external electrical source, also shown in FIG. 27.
And, as in the previous embodiment of the subject invention,
therapeutic light emitting apparatus 40 is adapted and configured
for performing biological tissue therapy on light treatment area 4
of biological tissue 2 of a patient, as shown in FIG. 29.
[0119] Referring to FIG. 29, the apparatus 40 differs from the
previously described embodiment of the subject invention in that
laser ruler 78 is supported within body 76 to establish a minimum
or preferred distance to treatment area 4. It is contemplated that
an indicator could provide an indication to a user that the
apparatus 40 is ready for use. Referring again to FIG. 29, when
laser rule comes into contact with biological tissue 2, push button
switch 42 can be enabled and/or activated (either by user or
automatically) for a pre-determined or programmed therapy time for
UV treatment, after which the UV LED will be turned off. An
indicator can also be associated with the PCB 82 for sonically or
visually indicating when connection with electrical wire 72 has
been deactivated or provide an indication to a user that the
treatment has been completed.
[0120] Referring again to FIG. 29, a light source 48 is supported
across body 76 and associated with electrical wire 72 for emitting
therapeutic light to treat biological tissue 2 proximate to shroud
74. Light source 48 is housed within an interior cavity of the
apparatus 40, and includes at least one light sources associated
with a printed circuit board (PCB) 82 that is supported within body
76, and it is preferably an LED light source. Light source 48 could
also comprise at least one laser diode, which may be embedded on
PCB 82 or separate from PCB 82. The therapeutic light for
performing biological tissue therapy on light treatment area 4 of
biological tissue 2 of a patient can be selected from a group of
light sources that consists of UV light, UV-C light, Far UV-C
light, infrared light, near-infrared light, low level laser light,
and White light.
[0121] Pins 96 are inserted to attach shroud 74 to body 76, as
shown in FIGS. 32-33, and shroud 74 and body 76 are further
fastened together by screws 86 and nuts 94. Referring to FIG. 32,
at distal and proximal ends of body 76, spacer 88 is placed on PCB
82, and spacer 92 is placed on lens 84. It is contemplated that
shroud 74 can be formed from a material that is impervious to
therapeutic light (such as amber colored plastic) so as to avoid an
impact of therapeutic light on areas of biological tissue 2 that
are not intended to be treated. Preferably, an optical element can
be designed to focus the therapeutic light to the treatment area
4.
[0122] Preferably, a push button switch 42 is operatively
associated with the body for activating the electrical wire 72
and/or light source 48, as shown in FIGS. 28-29, and is housed in
body 76. Electronics are operatively associated with body 76 and
shroud 74 to activate or enable activation of the electrical wire
72 and/or light source 48 when the laser ruler 78 comes into
contact with the biological tissue 2 to be treated, or it can
provide an indication to a user that the apparatus 40 is ready for
use. An indicator can also be associated with the PCB 82 for
sonically or visually indicating when the electrical wire 72 has
been deactivated or provide an indication to a user that the
treatment has been completed.
[0123] Lens 84 is supported within body 76 in front of the light
source 48, as shown in FIG. 32. The optical design of the lens 84
is used to focus the therapeutic light to the target treatment area
4 to maximize safety and efficacy.
[0124] Referring now to FIGS. 34-43, there is illustrated a
handheld therapeutic light emitting treatment attachment
constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
subject invention and designated generally by reference numeral 60.
As explained in more detail below, the apparatus joined with
attachment 60 is similar in many respect to the apparatus 20
described above. The apparatus of attachment 60 includes body
portion 136, shroud 138 extending from body 136, and electrical
wire 132 connected to an external electrical source, also shown in
FIG. 39. And, as in the previous embodiment of the subject
invention, therapeutic light emitting apparatus of attachment 60 is
adapted and configured for performing biological tissue therapy on
light treatment area 4 of biological tissue 2 of a patient, as
shown in FIG. 40.
[0125] Referring to FIG. 40, the apparatus of attachment 60 differs
from the previously described embodiment of the subject invention
in that body 136 can be attached to surgical table 70 by bracket
144. It is also contemplated that body 136 can be attached to a
surgical instrument or a surgical drape by bracket 144. It is
envisioned that bracket 144 can be secured to surgical table 70,
surgical instrument, or surgical drape by holding screw 146. The
proximal end of bendable, structure 134 is secured to body 136 by
holding plate 162, as shown in FIGS. 37 and 43. The distal end of
bendable structure 134 is secured to bracket 144 by holding bracket
148, which is secured by one or more screws 152, as shown in FIG.
40. In addition, it is envisioned that the bendable structure 134
and body 136 of apparatus 60 can be adjusted relative to treatment
area 4.
[0126] Referring now to FIG. 39, a light source 164 is supported
across body 136 and associated with electrical wire 132 for
emitting therapeutic light to treat biological tissue 2 proximate
to shroud 138. Light source 164 is housed within an interior cavity
of the apparatus of attachment 60, and includes at least one light
sources associated with a printed circuit board (PCB) 166 that is
supported within body 136, and it is preferably an LED light
source. Light source 164 could also comprise at least one laser
diode, which may be embedded on PCB 166 or separate from PCB 166.
The therapeutic light for performing biological tissue therapy on
light treatment area 4 of biological tissue 2 of a patient can be
selected from a group of light sources that consists of UV light,
UV-C light, Far UV-C light, infrared light, near-infrared light,
low level laser light, and White light.
[0127] Shroud 138 is dimensioned and configured to establish an
effective distance and area of therapeutic treatment relative to
the biological tissue 2 to be treated. Pins 156 are inserted to
attach shroud 138 to body 136, as shown in FIG. 39, and shroud 138
and body 136 are further fastened together by screws 154 and nuts
158. At distal and proximal ends of body 136, spacers are placed on
PCB 166. It is contemplated that shroud 138 can be formed from a
material that is impervious to therapeutic light (such as amber
colored plastic) so as to avoid an impact of therapeutic light on
areas of biological tissue 2 that are not intended to be treated.
Preferably, an optical element can be designed to focus the
therapeutic light to the treatment area 4.
[0128] Preferably, a push button switch 142 is operatively
associated with the body for activating the electrical wire 132
and/or light source 164, as shown in FIG. 41, and is housed in body
136. Electronics are operatively associated with body 136 and
shroud 138 to activate or enable activation of the electrical wire
132 and/or light source 164 when the shroud 138 comes into contact
with the biological tissue 2 to be treated, or it can provide an
indication to a user that the apparatus of attachment 60 is ready
for use. An indicator can also be associated with the PCB 166 for
sonically or visually indicating when the electrical wire 132 has
been deactivated or provide an indication to a user that the
treatment has been completed.
[0129] Referring now to FIGS. 44-50, there is illustrated a
handheld therapeutic light emitting treatment attachment
constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
subject invention and designated generally by reference numeral 75.
As explained in more detail below, the apparatus joined with
attachment 75 is similar in many respect to the apparatus 20
described above. However, the apparatus of attachment 75 includes
shroud 178, which houses power source 198, as shown in FIG. 46.
And, as in the previous embodiment of the subject invention,
therapeutic light emitting apparatus of attachment 75 is adapted
and configured for performing biological tissue therapy on light
treatment area 4 of biological tissue 2 of a patient, as shown in
FIG. 50.
[0130] Referring to FIG. 46, the apparatus of attachment 75 differs
from the previously described embodiment of the subject invention
in that shroud 178 can be attached to surgical table 70 by clamp
body 184 and 184'. It is also contemplated that shroud 178 can be
attached to a surgical instrument or a surgical drape by clamp body
184 and 184'. The proximal end of bendable, structure 174 is
secured to shroud 178 by holding plate 192, as shown in FIGS. 44,
46, and 49. Referring to FIG. 46, the distal end of bendable
structure 174 is secured to clamp body 184 and 184' by upper holder
182 and upper holder 204, which are operatively associated with pin
206 and leaf spring 208 to enable the clamping mechanism of clamp
body 184 and 184'. It is envisioned that compliant material 212
(over molded or bonded) can be applied to clamp body 184 and 184'
to improve their clamping performance. In addition, it is
envisioned that the bendable structure 174 and shroud 178 of the
apparatus of attachment 75 can be adjusted relative to treatment
area 4.
[0131] Referring now to FIG. 50, a light source 174 is supported
across shroud 178 and operatively associated with power source 198
for emitting therapeutic light to treat biological tissue 2
proximate to shroud 178. Light source 172 is housed within an
interior cavity of the apparatus of attachment 75, and includes at
least one light source associated with a printed circuit board
(PCB) 186 that is supported within shroud 178, and it is preferably
an LED light source. Light source 172 could also include at least
one laser diode, which may be embedded on PCB 186 or separate from
PCB 186. The therapeutic light for performing biological tissue
therapy on light treatment area 4 of biological tissue 2 of a
patient can be selected from a group of light sources that consists
of UV light, UV-C light, Far UV-C light, infrared light,
near-infrared light, low level laser light, and White light.
[0132] Shroud 178 is dimensioned and configured to establish an
effective distance and area of therapeutic treatment relative to
the biological tissue 2 to be treated. Screws 196 are inserted to
attach holding plate to shroud 178, as shown in FIG. 46, and shroud
178 and PCB 186 are further fastened together by screws 194 and
nuts 188. At distal and proximal ends of PCB 186, spacers 202 are
placed on PCB 186 to contain screws 194. It is contemplated that
shroud 178 can be formed from a material that is impervious to
therapeutic light (such as amber colored plastic) so as to avoid an
impact of therapeutic light on areas of biological tissue 2 that
are not intended to be treated. Preferably, an optical element can
be designed to focus the therapeutic light to the treatment area
4.
[0133] Preferably, a push button switch 176 is operatively
associated with the body for activating the power source 198 and/or
light source 172, as shown in FIGS. 46-50, and is housed in shroud
178. Electronics may be operatively associated with shroud 178 to
activate or enable the activation of the power source 198 and/or
light source 172 when the shroud 178 comes into contact with the
biological tissue 2 to be treated, or it can provide an indication
to a user that the apparatus of attachment 75 is ready for use. An
indicator can also be associated with the PCB 186 for sonically or
visually indicating when the power source 198 has been deactivated
or provide an indication to a user that the treatment has been
completed.
[0134] Referring now to FIGS. 51-64, there is illustrated a
handheld therapeutic light emitting treatment apparatus constructed
in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention
and designated generally by reference numeral 80. As explained in
more detail below, the apparatus 80 is similar in many respect to
the apparatus 20 described above. The apparatus of attachment 80
includes body portion 214, shroud 216 extending from body 214, and
electrical wire 224 connected to an external electrical source,
also shown in FIG. 51. And, as in the previous embodiment of the
subject invention, therapeutic light emitting apparatus 80 is
adapted and configured for performing biological tissue therapy on
light treatment area 4 of biological tissue 2 of a patient, as
shown in FIG. 51.
[0135] Referring to FIGS. 53-55, the apparatus 80 differs from the
previously described embodiment of the subject invention in that
shroud 216 is slideable to establish a minimum effective distance
to light treatment area 4. It is envisioned that when shroud 216
contacts biological tissue 2, apparatus 80 initiates and produces a
signal to inform the user that shroud 216 is in contact with
biological tissue 2. It is envisioned that at this time, push
button switch 176 can be activated to start UV light emitting from
apparatus 80.
[0136] Referring now to FIG. 59, a light source 228 is supported
across body 136 and associated with electrical wire 224 for
emitting therapeutic light to treat biological tissue 2 proximate
to shroud 216. Light source 228 is housed within an interior cavity
of the apparatus of attachment 60, and includes at least one light
sources associated with a printed circuit board (PCB) 226 that is
supported within body 214, and it is preferably an LED light
source. Light source 228 could also comprise at least one laser
diode, which may be embedded on PCB 226 or separate from PCB 226.
The therapeutic light for performing biological tissue therapy on
light treatment area 4 of biological tissue 2 of a patient can be
selected from a group of light sources that consists of UV light,
UV-C light, Far UV-C light, infrared light, near-infrared light,
low level laser light, and White light.
[0137] Shroud 216 is dimensioned and configured to establish an
effective distance and area of therapeutic treatment relative to
the biological tissue 2 to be treated. Referring to FIGS. 52-54,
shroud 216 is operatively associated with body 214 to provide
vertical slideable functionality via grooves 252, which enable
shroud 216 to extend or retract from body 214 to establish a
minimum effective distance to light treatment area 4. Once minimum
effective distance to light treatment area 4 is reached, electrical
switch 218 and switch activated boss 222 automatically enable the
activation of light source 228 on treatment area 4.
[0138] Referring to FIG. 56, pins 246 are inserted to attach shroud
216 to body 214, and shroud 216 and body 214 are further fastened
together by screws 248 and nuts 242, as shown in FIG. 55. At distal
and proximal ends of body 214, spacers 234 are placed on PCB 226.
At distal and proximal ends of body 214, spacers 244 are placed on
lens 232. Also at distal and proximal ends of body 214, spacers 236
are placed below a lens 232. As shown in FIG. 60, spacers 236 are
placed above spring 238, both of which are inserted through opening
254 for spacer in order to reside on spring support structure 256
and further enable the vertical slideable functionality of shroud
216. It is contemplated that shroud 216 can be formed from a
material that is impervious to therapeutic light (such as amber
colored plastic) so as to avoid an impact of therapeutic light on
areas of biological tissue 2 that are not intended to be treated.
Preferably, an optical element can be designed to focus the
therapeutic light to the treatment area 4.
[0139] Preferably, a push button switch 176 is operatively
associated with the body 214 for activating the electrical wire 224
and/or light source 228, as shown in FIGS. 59, 61, and 63.
Electronics may be operatively associated with body 214 and shroud
216 to activate or enable the activation of the electrical wire 224
and/or light source 228 when the shroud 216 comes into contact with
the biological tissue 2 to be treated, or it can provide an
indication to a user that the apparatus 80 is ready for use. An
indicator can also be associated with the PCB 226 for sonically or
visually indicating when the electrical wire 224 has been
deactivated or provide an indication to a user that the treatment
has been completed. Lens 232 is supported within body 214 in front
of the light source 228, as shown in FIGS. 55 and 59. The optical
design of the lens 232 is used to focus the therapeutic light to
the target treatment area 4 to maximize safety and efficacy.
[0140] Referring now to FIGS. 65-75, there is illustrated an
apparatus for treating biological tissue during laparoscopic
surgery, constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the subject invention and designated generally by reference numeral
90. UV light treatment apparatus 90 is adapted and configured for
performing biological tissue therapy on light treatment area 4 of
biological tissue 2 of a patient, as shown in FIG. 68. Referring to
FIG. 69, apparatus 90 includes a proximal handle portion, a tubular
body extending distally from the proximal handle portion, a shroud
262 extending from the distal end of the tubular body, and a light
source 272 supported at a distal end of the tubular body proximal
to the shroud 262 and connected to a power source 284 housed within
the handle portion or external to the handle portion for emitting
therapeutic light to treat biological tissue 2 proximate to the
shroud 262.
[0141] Referring to FIG. 69, the proximal handle portion is
comprised of left 276 and right 276' portions, respectively.
Collectively, left 276 and right 276' portions encase power source
284, which is operatively associated with switch 282. When switch
282 activates power source 284, PCB 278 receives a stimulus, which
is relayed via electrical wire 266 from PCB 278 to UV LED PCB 268.
Electrical wire 266 is encased in spacer 274 and outside cannula
258 respectively, which collectively include a tubular body
extending distally from the proximal handle portion.
[0142] Referring to FIG. 68, PCB 268, at the distal end of
electrical wire 266, is operatively associated with light source
272 via electrical wire 266 for emitting therapeutic light to treat
biological tissue 2 proximate to shroud 262. Light source 272 is
housed within the distal end of the tubular body, and includes at
least one light sources embedded on PCB 268 that is supported
within the tubular body, and it is preferably an LED light source.
Light source 272 could also include at least one laser diode, which
may be embedded on PCB 268 or separate from PCB 268. The
therapeutic light for performing biological tissue therapy on light
treatment area 4 of biological tissue 2 of a patient can be
selected from a group of light sources that consists of UV light,
UV-C light, Far UV-C light, infrared light, near-infrared light,
low level laser light, and White light.
[0143] It is envisioned that at an incision in the abdominal wall
111, shroud 262, extending from the distal end of the tubular body,
can be inserted into laparoscopic port 110. Shroud 262 is
preferably composed of non-transparent UV material. Preferably, the
shroud 262 is dimensioned and configured to establish an effective
distance and area of therapeutic light treatment relative to the
biological tissue 2 to be treated. However, it is envisioned that
the effective or minimum treatment distance can be established by
way of a laser, a probe, or a sensor, that could be embedded in the
probe or in the shroud 262.
[0144] Push button switch 282 is operatively associated with the
left 276 and right 276' body portions for activating the electrical
wire 266 and/or light source 272, as shown in FIGS. 66-68 and 71.
Electronics may be operatively associated with shroud 262 to
activate or enable the activation of the electrical wire 266 and/or
light source 272 when the shroud 262 comes into contact with the
biological tissue 2 to be treated, or it can provide an indication
to a user that the apparatus 90 is ready for use. An indicator can
also be associated with the PCB 268 for sonically or visually
indicating when the electrical wire 266 has been deactivated or
provide an indication to a user that the treatment has been
completed. Lens 264 is supported within the tubular body in front
of the light source 272, also shown in FIGS. 66-68 and 71. The
optical design of the lens 264 is used to focus the therapeutic
light to the target treatment area 4 to maximize safety and
efficacy. Referring to FIG. 73, left 276 and right 276' body
portions are joined around switch 282 by rivet 286. During
assembly, groove 292 and slot 294 permit the preferred locating of
lens 264 and PCB 268, respectively.
[0145] Referring now to FIGS. 76-79, there is illustrated an
apparatus for treating biological tissue, constructed in accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention and designated
generally by reference numeral 120. Electrosurgical instrument 120
with integrated light source 302 is adapted and configured for
performing biological tissue therapy on light treatment area 4 of
biological tissue 2 of a patient. Referring to FIG. 76,
electrosurgical instrument 120 includes an elongated body, an
electrocautery blade 305 extending from a distal end of the body,
and light source 302 operatively associated with the body and
oriented to focus therapeutic light to an area around a tip of the
electrocautery blade 305.
[0146] Referring to FIGS. 77-79, the electrosurgical instrument 120
further includes a first switch 307 and a second switch 309 on the
body for manually activating the electrocautery blade 305, and a
third switch 304 on the body for manually activating the
therapeutic light source 302. The therapeutic light for performing
biological tissue therapy on light treatment area 4 of biological
tissue 2 of a patient can be selected from a group of light sources
that consists of UV light, UV-C light, Far UV-C light, infrared
light, near-infrared light, low level laser light, and White light.
In addition, the instrument 120 includes a first power cord 306
extending from the proximal end of the body for connecting the
electrocautery blade 305 to a first power source and a second power
cord 308 extending from a proximal end of the body for connecting
the therapeutic light source 302 to a second power source, as shown
in FIG. 78.
[0147] Referring now to FIGS. 80-89, there is illustrated an
instrument for retraction, constructed in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the subject invention and designated
generally by reference numeral 130. Surgical retractor 130 is
adapted and configured for supplying energy to UV LED 372 while
performing biological tissue therapy on light treatment area 4 of
biological tissue 2 of a patient. Referring to FIG. 86, retractor
130 includes an upper body portion 352 operatively associated with
a power source 364 and a lower body portion 354 extending
orthogonal to the upper body portion 352 and housing a therapeutic
light source 372 embedded on a printed circuit board 362 and
connected to the power source 364. Preferably, the power source 364
is housed within the upper body portion 352 of the retractor 130, a
lens 358 is positioned in front of the therapeutic light source 372
and a flange projects forward from the distal end of the lower body
portion 354 of the retractor 130. Switch 356 may be associated with
the upper body portion 352 for manually activating the therapeutic
light source 372 and/or the power source 364. It is envisioned that
the LED light source 372 can include a therapeutic LED and a
non-therapeutic LED. Wires 366 are operatively associated with
switch 356 to communicate with printed circuit board 362, as shown
in FIG. 86, and wires 368 are operatively associated with power
source 364 to communicate with switch 356, as shown in FIG. 84.
[0148] Referring now to FIG. 89, battery holding ribs 374 are
arranged on a proximal surface lower body portion 354 as a means
for securing power source 364 during assembly of retractor 130.
Also on the proximal surface lower body portion 354, switch holding
ribs 378 are arranged as a way for securing power source switching
means 356 during assembly of retractor 130. Finally, battery and
switch holding rib 376 is arranged on the proximal surface lower
body portion 354 between battery holding ribs 374 and switch
holding ribs 378 as a way for further securing power source 364 and
switch 356 respectively during assembly of retractor 130.
[0149] Referring now to FIGS. 90-99, there is illustrated an
instrument for retraction, constructed in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the subject invention and designated
generally by reference numeral 140. As explained in more detail
below, the surgical retractor 140 is similar in many respect to the
surgical retractor 130 described above. Surgical retractor 140 is
adapted and configured for supplying energy to UV LED 372 while
performing biological tissue therapy on light treatment area 4 of
biological tissue 2 of a patient. Referring to FIG. 96, retractor
140 includes an upper body portion 382 operatively associated with
a power source 402 and a lower body portion 384 extending
orthogonal to the upper body portion 382 and housing a therapeutic
UV LED light source 406 embedded on a printed circuit board 394 and
connected to the power source 402. Lower body portion 384 also
houses a non-UV LED light source 408, which is also associated with
printed circuit board 394 and connected to the power source 402,
which differs from retractor 130. Preferably, the power source 402
is housed within the upper body portion 382 of the retractor 140, a
lens 392 is positioned in front of both the therapeutic UV LED
light source 406 and the non-UV LED light source 408. A flange
projects forward from the distal end of the lower body portion 384
of the retractor 140.
[0150] Referring to FIGS. 92, 94, and 96, the retractor 140 also
differs from the previously described embodiment of the subject
invention in that a way of switching could include a first switch
386 operatively associated with the therapeutic UV LED 406 and a
second switch 388 operatively associated with the non-therapeutic
LED 408. Switch printed circuit board 404 is operatively associated
with first switch 386 and second switch 388 in order to activate
therapeutic UV LED 406 and/or non-therapeutic LED 408 respectively.
Wires 396 provide a means for switch 388 to communicate with
printed circuit board 394, as shown in FIG. 96, and wires 398
provide a means for power source 402 to communicate with switch
printed circuit board 404, as shown in FIG. 94.
[0151] Referring now to FIG. 99, battery holding ribs 412 are
arranged on a proximal surface lower body portion 384 as a way for
securing power source 402 during assembly of retractor 140. Also on
the proximal surface lower body portion 384, switch PCB holding
ribs 416 are arranged as a way for securing switch PCB 404 during
assembly of retractor 140. Finally, battery and switch PCB holding
rib 414 is arranged on the proximal surface lower body portion 384
between battery holding ribs 374 and switch PCB holding ribs 416 as
a way for further securing power source 402 and switch PCB 404
respectively, during assembly of retractor 140.
[0152] The subject invention is also directed to a method of
treating biological tissue with therapeutic light, as shown in
FIGS. 100-103. This method includes the steps of positioning an
emitter at a treatment area, establishing an effective distance for
the emitter from the treatment area, activating the emitter to
provide therapeutic light at the treatment area, and then removing
the emitter from the treatment area, as shown in FIG. 100. The
method can further include the steps of controlling a duration of
therapeutic light treatment, as shown in FIG. 101. The method can
further include the steps of allowing the emitter to enable the
therapeutic light treatment based on user activation, signaling to
a user that the emitter is ready to provide the therapeutic light
treatment, signaling to a user that the therapeutic light treatment
has concluded, and allowing the emitter to stop the therapeutic
light treatment based user removal of emitter, as shown in FIG.
102. The method can further include the steps of allowing the
emitter to automatically enable the therapeutic light treatment,
signaling to a user that the therapeutic light treatment has
concluded, and allowing the emitter to automatically stop the
therapeutic light treatment, followed by user removal of emitter,
as shown in FIG. 103.
[0153] It is well within the scope of this disclosure that the
therapeutic lighting devices described herein may be used in
conjunction with other materials, drugs, devices for diagnostic
imaging, or curing materials such as glues or cements, and they may
provide further or additional therapeutic benefits beyond the
treatment of surgical site infection such as relieving pain,
promoting tissue repair, and reducing inflammation.
* * * * *